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It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of really cold days. One of the things that gets me through the long winter months is the fashion. Layering cute tops with sweaters and of course the fabulous boots! On top of that great outfit you need a great statement coat. There are so many great styles to choose for this season, here are a few I found that are sure to appease anyone’s style and price point. If not, let me know and I can do a little more research to find what you are looking for: hilary@welldressedboston.com.

To view more images and shop click the images. (PS: I do make commission on products bought through my site, so thank you in advance if you do decide to purchase!)

I recently read an interview with Iris Apfel in Bazaar where she gives some lovely and wise advice about fashion, the art of style and getting older. If you don’t know who she is she is a well-known fashion icon from New York who made career in interior design, partaking in such high-profile design restoration project as that of the White House for 9 different presidents including the Kennedys.

Dress your age.“Seventy year olds don’t have eighteen year old bodies and eighteen year olds don’t have seventy year old bucks.” I’m going on Forty and admittedly don’t always “dress my age”, usually when I wear a mini skirt or shorts. But, my feeling is that I’ll only be able to pull them off a few more years before I cash the minis in for good. So… I’m rocking them while I can. That being said, I try to keep it classy. I love good button downs and blazers to dress things up and make an outfit more sophisticated. Smythe jackets, like the one below, are so well-tailored and worth every penny. I love the puffy sleeves and sleek look of this one. It a nice change from your average black blazer.

Dress things up with costume jewelry. “I think jewelry is the most transformative of accessories.” I love Forever 21 for inexpensive accessories that are on trend. I’ve done a lot of shopping there to grab jewels for photo shoots. I want something that’s current but don’t want to spend a ton knowing the item won’t be relevant in a few seasons. Like these tassel earrings. I love the tassle trend but this won’t last, these are great option to rock it and not break the bank.

Embrace getting older. She says “Wrinkles are a badge of courage.” and quotes Chanel: “Nothing makes a woman look older than trying so desperately to look young.” I couldn’t agree more! But she also advises to take care of yourself so you look your best at any age. Here’s a great product from Keihls that I’ve been using recently to rejuvenate my skin at night. I tend to break out from heavy creams so a serum works well for me.

Dress up sometimes!! Give yourself a reason to dress up, whether it’s a date night or an event; make it a priority to have a reason to look your best. This jumpsuit from Boston Proper is a great reason to plan a night out…

Be Yourself. “Learn to be yourself, to develop a sense of curiosity, and to not live vicariously through these characters you follow on social media that have absolutely no personality.” This is my favorite. Being a person who uses social media as a platform to promote my fashion and lifestyle business, it’s interesting to see those that are so popular on different social networks and why. The first that comes to mind is the everlasting Kardashians who have almost a billion followers combined. I’m not a big fan of them but I try to understand what makes them so likable and infectious to the masses. When I see their show I have to say that I kind of get it. You see their personalities come through in a very genuine way and that gets people interested. The point is, they are popular for being themselves so you need to develop your own personality, sense of style and beauty that is true to who you are. If you are copying someone else, and we see so many who try to look exactly like Kim or Kylie etc… it’s so obvious, disingenuous and why do we need a replica of Kim K. in this world!? What makes you different is your strength, so use it!!

Yesterday was one of those days. It was a cold, snowy day here in New England and I certainly was not in the mood to “adult”. I rolled out of bed, got the kids ready and walked them up to the bus stop. Snow coming down as we walked quickly but steadily to the stop, as we were running late but also didn’t want to slip and fall.

The adults and kids are all there waiting in cold anticipation for the bus to arrive. Of course it’s late, it’s always late on the snowiest and coldest days. There’s a diverse group of adults, not in terms of skin color, my neighborhood is about 90% white Irish. I think I may be the most “ethnic” with my Eastern European background. But diverse in terms of career. Some in suits ready to rush to work after the bus arrives and others in much more casual attire, like myself who arrived in pajamas. I feel grateful that I don’t have to make the mad dash to an office but can’t help but feel a sense of shame as well.

I work part time and am home mostly with my children. I’m very blessed for that. It sometimes makes me uneasy when I feel as though others don’t understand what I “do all day.” I’m crazy about my children and love being home with them. Taking care of my kids certainly takes up most of my time! I struggle with telling people that I’m a “blogger” or a “stylist” in my spare time, since it’s not a steady office job with benefits. I enjoy everything I do, but most people don’t understand it and sometimes think I’m living in la la land hoping to make a living out of what I love doing. Especially at the tender age of 39.

Perhaps these feelings stem from my own insecurities. Do others suffer with this same feeling when they stand at the bus stop? That feeling of “what do all these people think of my life choices”? Sounds silly and I realize I’m not that important for everyone to be thinking about, but it crosses my mind at times when I’m feeling particularly glum and insecure.

In the meantime I’m going to keep updating my blog in my “spare time” and I’m going to shop for prettier pajamas to wear to the bus stop…

This is pretty much what I was wearing this morning. Except mine had a donuts and coffee print making me feel even more silly and pushing me further in a state of questioning my purpose in life. I love these, they remind me of the pajamas my grandfather used to wear.

Jogger bottoms are the best, they’re comfortable and wearable in public. Make this a full outfit with a sweater and boots. Monotone is the look right now, so I picked a cream sweater and booties to complete the style.

Gift giving can be tough business, especially if you don’t know the person well enough to get them something uniquely them. Even if you do it still can be a challenge! I’m here to help with a few ideas to fill up your holiday shopping cart.

Beauty Products are a great gift and there are plenty of products to choose from that don’t require you knowing the persons exact skin tone or taste in color for it to be a great gift. Click the image below to shop.

Finishing sprays are very popular and perfect for all skin types. This 4 in 1 setting mist by Tarte provides lasting moisture and make-up protection. Check out my Instagram page to find out how you can win it!

Another idea… give the gift of a healthy glow with Sephora’s Favorites “Glow for It” box set. “A multibranded sampler set of highlighters including seven deluxe everyday essentials.”

Jewelry and accessories. Always good because you know it’ll fit! J. Crew has a great selection of well made jewelry. I love these Stone and Tassle earrings. And when you make an on line purchase you get 40% off with the code SHOPFAST. Click the image to shop.

Gloves. I know it’s boring but nice gloves are a great gift because most people want a pair but no one wants to buy them for themselves. I love the Melech Gloves from Club Monaco (on sale for $49!!). Click the image to shop these and more styles.

A handbag. This is a bit of a risk, as handbags are very much a taste. So you need to know at least a little bit about what sort of purse the person you are buying for prefers. For example: color, size, shape, strap type etc…

That being said I personally love a good cross-body. Fashionable and convenient. Marc Jacobsmakes an adorable one called the “camera case” for its similarity to, you guessed it, a camera case. You can shop all sorts of styles at Bloomingdales. Click the image to shop more style.

Candles. Again, boring. But I’m not talking your average scented candle from Yankee Candle or the check out aisle at Marshall’s, a GOOD candle like from Dyptique that both smells like nothing you’ve encountered and last a long time.

Stay tuned for more gift ideas for him!

(Note: I am an affiliate of the above merchants. If you purchase any items through the links provided I receive a small commission on said purchase. Thank you!)

There’s so many sales happening tomorrow. Here are some fashionable Black Friday deals I love. What deals can you recommend??

Click on the links or the pictures to view and purchase. (Full discolosure: I am an affiliate of the below merchants and make a small commision if you purchase anything through the links I’vc provided.)

H&M. They’ve got all sorts of great deals on sweaters, jackets … but this purple dress is my personal favorite. Originally $59.99 on sale for $34.99.

Nordstrom. The ever popular Stuart Weitzman “highland” boots are on sale. Originally $798.00 now $376.80. You can’t pass that up!

Bloomingdales. I’m a sucker for anything blush and pearl embellishments. This sweater is perfect with some leggings or mini skirt and those highland boots! Bloomies deal is buy more pay less. 25% off $400 or more, 20% off $300-399 and 15% off $150 -$299.

I love that long, flowing patterned dresses are in style right now and they are just so perfect for the holidays. Here are a few of my favorites I’ve seen so far that will make you feel “oh so pretty” this season. Click on the image to view and purchase.

(Full disclosure: by clicking on the links you are taken to my affiliate site where as if you purchase anything I get a small commission.)

Add some vibrant color with this emerald green piece by H & M. The I love the feminine pattern and boots are a perfect match.

2) The color and material of this maxi dress are just luscious and the sleeves add an element of surprise and sexiness. Shop it at Nordstrom.com.

3) This one from Bloomingdales is by Rebecca Taylor. I love the ruffled turtleneck. Tough wearing short sleeves this time of year but if you pair it with one of those cozy, oversized sweaters and tall boots you’ll be cozy, chic and ready for the holidays.